SD-CIF: North County
Conference
Palomar League Preview--(Nov. 27, 2002)

The
San Diego Coaches Association has been really good to us this year. In the
past, getting information out of San Diego has been like pulling teeth, but this
year, we've gotten a slew of league and team capsule preview from our friends
down south. The Palomar League of the North County Conference
is the focus of this preview. Again, like the Avocado, it consists
of mostly Division I teams and like the Avocado, there are some key players with
D-I talent, including Kansas signee Mohamed Abukar. There have
been a couple of changes from last year's league lineup and San Marcos has moved
into the league, switching spots with Mt. Carmel which is now in the Avocado.
Otherwise the teams in the league remain the same from last season, and they are
all still part of the North County Conference. Here's the rest of what we
know about the Palomar League, as well as some predictions (not ours, again the
Coaches Assn.) and pre-season picks for MVP and All-League. By the
way, these teams are listed in their predicted order of finish, as determined by
the Coaches Association....Really, we had nothing to do with this, so if you're
unhappy about it, don't blame us.

Head Coach: Kevin Keller (2nd
Year)Last year’s record: 19 – 10 (8 – 2, 2nd)Last year’s playoffs: Lost in quarterfinals.Key players: Mohamed Abukar (Sr, 6’10”), Andrew Olson (Jr, 5’11”), Mark
Strong (Sr, 6’06”), Justin Kisner (Jr, 6’03”)Losses to overcome: Nick Johnson (transferred to Horizon), Nick
Badin (graduation), Erick Laforgia (graduation)
Summary: Abukar is the top player in the county and can hurt you on
both ends of the court. Majority of team can shoot and playoff experience last
year should help them wrestle the league crown away from Torrey Pines.

Head Coach: John Olive
(6th Year)
Last year’s record: 25 – 4 (9 – 1, 1st)Last year’s playoffs: Lost in semi-finals.Key players: Avi Fogel (Sr, 6’02), Josh Kramer (Sr, 6’07”), David
Pigott (Sr, 5’11”)Losses to overcome: Rod Benson (Univ. of California), J.J. Brull
(Air Force Academy), Kyle Cech (graduation)Summary: No longer in possession of overwhelming size, the Falcons
will have to rely on the experience of Fogel and Kramer to make a run at Rancho
Bernardo. Loss of the Lowenthals, who moved to CIF-SS Newport Harbor will
hurt.

4) San Marcos (Division 1, San Marcos)Head Coach: Brady Stout (3rd Year)Last year’s record: 14 – 13 (0 – 8, 5th in Avocado Lg)Last year’s playoffs: NoneKey players: Adam Green (Sr, 6’04”), Tanner Moore (Jr, 6’04”), Cody
Malloy (Sr, 6’02”)Losses to overcome: Jamar Hendrix (graduation), Kyle Moore
(graduation)Summary: The Knights faded late in the season last year, and then
suffered some key losses to graduation. However, with the size and versatility
of Green and Moore, San Marcos should be able to make some noise as they shift
into the Palomar League. Not quite ready to play with the big boys, but don’t
let them catch you napping.

5) Poway (Division 1, Poway)Head Coach: Kyle Armstrong (1st Year)
Last year’s record: 12 – 15 (3 – 7, 5th)Last year’s playoffs: NoneKey players: Brandon Stock (Sr, 6’04”), Josh Erb (Sr, 6’05”)Losses to overcome: Alan Wiggins (transferred to Horizon), Greg
Wealch (graduation), R.J. Hall (transferred)Summary: The years of Poway dominance are a distant memory as the
Titans try to re-group under a new coach. The senior-laden Titans could turn
into one of the surprises of the North County if pieces fall into place early,
but
the departures of Hall and Wiggins will hurt.